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Summary
Maryam Umar Ayomide's article exposes the normalization of male violence against women in Nigeria, with the increase of femicides in 2024. This violence stems from ingrained patriarchal beliefs that historically and culturally subjugate women, viewing them as possessions or reproductive tools.Â
Just as Nigeria explains itself, women have continually lived under the siege of men. And the unending abuses, pains, and disillusionments seem to know no end. In 2024, over 100 femicides were documented by the Lagos-based nonprofit Document Our History (DOHS) Cares Foundation. This year, 17 similar cases were reported in January alone, with an additional five by February 16. This represents a staggering 240% increase from the same period last year.
The ills of the above are a metaphor for a society that loudly applauds male dominance, glorifies a man who sees his wife as a punching bag and blames women for not being submissive. These stupefying occurrences have poignantly reflected that we have lost every ounce of humanity.
Historically, women were once regarded as possessions to be controlled by their husbands. As far back as the 18th century, English Common Law granted men absolute authority over their wives, even holding the power of life and death. A husband could dictate his wife’s purpose and control her fate as he saw fit.
In many African cultures, women were subjugated, and their existence reduced to serving and pleasing men. Some traditions viewed women primarily as reproductive tools, with infertility seen as a personal failing. A barren woman was often deemed worthless, ostracised by society, and unfairly blamed for her inability to conceive.
Thanks to the emergence of Human Rights, which advocated the equality of men and women and condemned other degrading cultural practices, these rights, which are considered inherent, eventually birthed the fight for freedom termed “Gender Equality.”
However, it seems a lot of people, especially Nigerians, are not moving at the same pace as the rest of the world. We still have men with the retarded thinking of women being inferior to them.
This explains why some men feel entitled to discipline their wives with a cane as if they were dealing with a stubborn animal. Sadly, many individuals with this mindset still roam freely, merely waiting for an opportunity to unleash their cruelty.
On March 2, 2025, we lost another woman to the cold hand of death in Bauchi State. Her husband killed her over a domestic argument. A mere “poor handling of food” earned her death.
Wasila Abdullahi, a 24-year-old woman, was reportedly married as the second wife to 50-year-old businessman Nura Isah. During an argument over ingredients for his dinner, he allegedly struck her with a cane. She collapsed after the blow and was later pronounced dead upon arrival at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital. The cane used in the assault has been recovered as evidence, and the deceased has been placed in the mortuary pending an autopsy.
This is a glaring case of a woman being maltreated and lampooned in the hand of the sacred cow. But unfortunately for Isa, the gods denied his sacrifice. However, in law, this is Culpable homicide—- a result of domestic violence. A man who casually pulls out a cane for such simple arguments shouldn’t be considered human.
The alleged offence charged against the suspect is Culpable Homicide, punishable with death under section 221 of the penal code applicable in Northern Nigeria. It has elements, the proof of which is required for conviction. This includes the intention to cause death or the intention to cause bodily injury, which is a probable consequence of his act. The prosecution must prove these incidents beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.
Ordinarily, unless diagnosed with a medical condition that increases vulnerability, a woman is not likely to die from a single hit. Funnily enough, a considerable number of Nigerians believe it is socially acceptable for a man to hit a woman as a form of disciplinary measure.
In a similar case of State Vs Rauf Ghaji (1975) 5 S.C.61, the accused, a lawyer based in Kaduna, had a night quarrel with his one-time girlfriend, and both the High Court and Federal Court of Appeal seemed satisfied, based on the evidence, that she died of repeated beating by him during a scuffle.
However, there was no evidence of the weapon used to enable the court to ascertain whether death was a probable consequence of his act. He was convicted of Culpable homicide, not punishable with death as the Court didn’t believe he had the intention to cause her death. Even the devil knows not the intention of men. If we assume there is no intention due to the severity of the Act, the justice we are clamouring for will never be achieved.
Society will still be divided on this rather than collectively calling a spade a spade. When a woman is raped, they question her clothing. When she is bullied, they ask if she raises her voice. It is as if an unspoken rule dictates that a woman must somehow be responsible for her suffering.
Frankly, a married man using a cane on his wife is extremely ridiculous and unfortunate. In this part of the world, such hideous act is seen as the natural assertion of male dominance. The outdated ideology still lives, wine, and dine with many groups in parts of Nigeria and without intentional efforts towards its eradication.
Way forward______
Financial autonomy is key to empowering women to walk away from abusive situations. Many women endure sexual harassment, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse because their financial stability is tied to their abuser. To break free from this cycle, women need to have financial independence.
This independence is the foundation of true freedom and self-reliance. Without financial constraints, women can make choices that prioritise their well-being and safety.
While there are already voices advocating against male violence against women, more support is needed to create meaningful change. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s iconic work emphasises, “We Should All Be Feminists.” Domestic violence and abuse are not just women’s issues but male crimes against humanity that demand collective action.
In conclusion, the time for change is now. We owe it to Wasila Abdullahi and the countless other women who have lost their lives to domestic violence at the hands of their husbands to take action. We owe it to ourselves, our daughters, and our sons to build a society where women can live without fear of male violence and oppression. Let us come together to create a Nigeria where every woman can thrive, free from the shackles of patriarchy and abuse. The future of our nation depends on it.
